Keeley Library Student Pages:Information Gathering, Summarizing

Gathering Information

Determine when to use general or specialized print and electronic reference tools.

Use specialized reference tools, both in the library and online.

Construct effective search strategies using keywords, Boolean logic and limiters such as phrases in quotation marks.

Consider the copyright date and the subject. Science and health topics will often require more recent journal, news, or web sources.

Extract the most relevant information. Distinguish between fact and point of view. Detect misleading graphic presentations. Use evidence and logic to detect the most common fallacies of thinking when reading or viewing.

First Steps

Brainstorm all possible resources that might be used to address the topic:

Books

Experiments

Internet

Interviews

Newspapers

Journals

Reference Materials

Surveys

etc.

Brainstorm those resources that might be appropriate for the topic.Example:
For:debates,
discussions,
persuasive essays,
and other projects involving varying viewpoints,
include:magazines,
newspapers, and
web sites on specific issues

Pursue varietyDon't limit research to only one kind of resource.

Prepare your searchWrite down key words that might be used before
you begin your research.

Consider the Source

Determine the authorship for all resources. Is the author an expert? Is the author trustworthy?

Be Efficient

Read information and write down notes on note cards or copy and paste the information using software such as Inspiration. This is usually the best method if you are working on a large project, such as a research report or PowerPoint presentation.
See: Note-Taking

Print out or photocopy selected information and then use a pencil or highlighter to highlight the most important parts.

Save information to disk, and then change the text color of the important information. This can later be copied into digital note cards using software such as Inspiration.

Copy selected information directly into a word processor as you are reading the document. Be certain to give proper credit.
See: Documenting sources

Internet Resources

Library Catalog

To locate items in the library catalog, search in iBistro. You may want to limit your search to search only the Keeley Library, instead of all of the SAILS libraries.

SAILS Databases

As members of SAILS, Durfee students and teachers can access journal and newspaper articles as well as online reference books, from the library's computers and from home. Simply go to the online catalog page, access the online catalog, and click on .